How to Fix a Broken Plant Stem

Written by jaimie zinski

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Bends or breaks occur in plants for several reasons. Improper handling, a strong wind gust or excessive insect damage will lead the stems of your indoor and outdoor garden plants, potted plants and floral arrangements to break. Instead of cutting off the broken stems and tossing the flower or vegetable stalk in the trash, apply a splint to the broken stem to allow the plant to heal itself.

Skill level:

Easy

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Things you need

Bamboo skewer or toothpick

Electrical tape

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Instructions

1

Cut a piece of bamboo skewer to fit the length of the stem. A toothpick will provide an effective splint for a seeding or smaller stem.

2

Stand the stem upright at the point of the break and place the skewer or toothpick flush against the broken section.

3

Attach the splint to the stem by wrapping both loosely in electrical tape. Do not wrap the stem too tightly because it will cause further damage and not allow the stem to transport nutrients to the blooms or vegetables effectively.

4

Monitor the stem for the next one to two weeks. Eventually, the stem will begin to repair itself. Once the stem will support its own weight, remove the splint and tape.